Post-thrombolysis, how often should neurologic checks be performed during the first 2 hours after administration to monitor for intracranial hemorrhage?

Post-thrombolysis, how often should neurologic checks be performed during the first 2 hours after administration to monitor for intracranial hemorrhage?

• A. Every 15 minutes
• B. Every 2 hours
• C. Every 30 minutes
• D. Every 60 minutes

Answer: (A)

After thrombolysis, the brain is most vulnerable to intracranial hemorrhage in the early hours, so neurologic status should be checked very frequently. Checking every 15 minutes during the first 2 hours allows immediate detection of any sudden decline in consciousness, new or worsening focal deficits, speech changes, or pupil abnormalities, enabling rapid imaging and intervention. Less frequent checks—every 30 minutes, every hour, or every 2 hours in this window—could delay recognizing deterioration and worsen outcomes.

After thrombolysis, the brain is most vulnerable to intracranial hemorrhage in the early hours, so neurologic status should be checked very frequently. Checking every 15 minutes during the first 2 hours allows immediate detection of any sudden decline in consciousness, new or worsening focal deficits, speech changes, or pupil abnormalities, enabling rapid imaging and intervention. Less frequent checks—every 30 minutes, every hour, or every 2 hours in this window—could delay recognizing deterioration and worsen outcomes.